In an era where technology drives innovation, programming languages are quickly becoming as important as world languages. And what is one of the leading languages of the technology world? Python.

We’ll dissect the question that’s on every aspiring programmer’s mind: how long does it take to learn Python? Because while you can write your first simple program in just a couple minutes, learning the fundamentals and later mastering the language take time and commitment. Whether you’re looking to pivot your career, enhance your current skill set, or fuel a personal interest, understanding Python’s learning curve is key.

What is Python?

Recognized for its simplicity and versatility, Python is a high-level programming language that is interpreted and object-oriented, featuring dynamic semantics. What does all that mean? Let’s get into it.

Interpreted Programming Languages

Designed to be easy to write, an interpreted language is written line-by-line. It’s primarily executed as source code or bytecode through a dedicated machine. In addition to Python, other examples of interpreted languages include Ruby and Java.

The alternative type is called a compiled language. This refers to a language that is primarily compiled into machine code and executed natively by the CPU. Examples of compiled languages include C and C++.

Learn More: Ruby on Rails vs. Python

Object-Oriented Programming Languages (OOPL)

When it comes to programming languages, this means that the language represents the various elements of a problem as objects. These objects contain data and behavior. For example, your pet dog would fall into the class of dog.” Her “objects” would be her name. Her “properties” may include her “leash” and her “method” would be “to go on a walk.”

Some characteristics of an OOPL include:

• Object
• Class
• Inheritance
• Encapsulation
• Abstraction
• Polymorphism

Object-oriented programming is a fundamental component of many programming languages